Recommended Labratory PPE

Purpose

This appendix establishes minimum recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for university laboratories where hazardous chemicals, biological materials, radioactive materials, compressed gases, or physical hazards may be present. PPE selection shall be based on hazard assessments performed by laboratory supervisors, principal investigators, and Environmental Health and Safety.

 

General PPE Requirements

The following PPE is recommended for all occupied laboratory spaces unless a documented hazard assessment specifies otherwise:

PPE Item

Minimum Requirement

Safety Glasses

ANSI Z87.1 approved safety glasses with side shields

Laboratory Coat

Full-length lab coat with long sleeves

Gloves

Appropriate chemical-resistant gloves selected for the hazard

Long Pants

Legs fully covered to the ankle

Closed-Toe Shoes

Shoes constructed of non-absorbent material preferred

Hair Restraints

Required when working near open flames, rotating equipment, or chemicals

Respiratory Protection

Only when approved through institutional respiratory protection program

 

Eye and Face Protection

Hazard

Recommended PPE

Chemical Splash Hazard

Chemical splash goggles

Corrosive Liquid Transfer

Goggles and face shield

Cryogenic Materials

Face shield and cryogenic-rated eye protection

Flying Particles / Mechanical Hazards

Safety glasses with side shields

UV Radiation

UV-rated eye protection

Laser Operations

Wavelength-specific laser safety eyewear

Requirements

  • Contact lenses are not prohibited but shall not replace required eye protection.
  • Face shields shall be worn in addition to safety glasses or goggles, not as a substitute.

 

Hand Protection

Appropriate gloves shall be selected based on chemical compatibility, permeation resistance, and task duration.

Hazard / Task

Recommended Gloves

General Chemical Handling

Nitrile gloves

Strong Acids / Bases

Neoprene or butyl gloves

Organic Solvents

Chemical compatibility-dependent gloves

Cryogenic Liquids

Cryogenic insulated gloves

Biological Materials

Disposable nitrile gloves

Hot Equipment

Heat-resistant gloves

Sharp Objects

Cut-resistant gloves when appropriate

Requirements

  • Gloves shall be inspected before use.
  • Disposable gloves shall not be reused unless specifically designed for reuse.
  • Gloves contaminated with hazardous materials shall be disposed of properly.

 

Body Protection

Hazard

Recommended PPE

Routine Laboratory Work

Cotton or flame-resistant lab coat

Chemical Splash Potential

Fluid-resistant lab coat or chemical apron

Pyrophoric / Flammable Materials

Flame-resistant (FR) lab coat

Biological Materials

Disposable gown or protective coat

Cryogenic Operations

Cryogenic apron and sleeve protection

Welding / Hot Work

Welding jacket or leather protection

Requirements

  • Lab coats shall remain within laboratory areas.
  • Contaminated PPE shall be removed immediately.
  • Shorts, skirts above the knee, and exposed skin are discouraged in laboratories using hazardous chemicals.

 

Foot Protection

Hazard

Recommended PPE

General Laboratory Work

Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes

Heavy Object Handling

Safety-toe footwear

Chemical Spill Potential

Chemical-resistant footwear

Cryogenic Operations

Non-porous footwear without mesh uppers

Prohibited Footwear

  • Sandals
  • Open-toe shoes
  • Open-heel shoes
  • Bare feet

 

Respiratory Protection

Respirators shall only be used in accordance with the institutional respiratory protection program administered by Environmental Health and Safety.

Requirements

  • Medical evaluation required prior to use
  • Annual fit testing required
  • Training required before initial use
  • Voluntary use must comply with applicable regulations

Hazard

Possible Respiratory Protection

Chemical Vapors

Air-purifying respirator with appropriate cartridges

Particulates / Dusts

N95 or equivalent

Biological Aerosols

N95 or higher-level protection

Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres

Supplied-air respirator or SCBA

 

Specialized PPE

Laboratory Activity

Specialized PPE

Cryogenic Liquid Handling

Cryogenic gloves, face shield, apron

Radiation Work

Dosimetry badges and shielding PPE as required

Laser Operations

Laser-specific eye protection

Animal Research

Species- and protocol-specific PPE

High Noise Areas

Hearing protection

BSL-2 / BSL-3 Activities

Biosafety PPE specified by protocol

 

PPE Maintenance and Storage

  • PPE shall be maintained in sanitary and reliable condition.
  • Damaged PPE shall be replaced immediately.
  • Reusable PPE shall be cleaned and inspected regularly.
  • PPE shall be stored to prevent contamination or damage.

 

Training Requirements

Laboratory personnel shall receive training on:

  • PPE selection
  • Proper use and limitations
  • Donning and doffing procedures
  • Inspection and maintenance
  • Disposal requirements
  • Emergency procedures involving PPE failure

Training shall be documented in accordance with university laboratory safety procedures.

 

PPE Hazard Assessment

Supervisors and principal investigators shall evaluate laboratory hazards to determine required PPE based on:

  • Chemical hazards
  • Biological hazards
  • Radiological hazards
  • Physical hazards
  • Thermal hazards
  • Noise exposure
  • Electrical hazards

Hazard assessments shall be reviewed periodically and updated when laboratory operations change.